Excuses Or Reasons

     I started a new 12 week program today. In actuality, it's not new. I began this program once before, years ago, but never made it past week 4. That was when I was an inconsistent little turd. Now, I'm a slightly bigger turd and also slightly more consistent. We'll talk more about the program later. Right now, here's what got moved tonight:

••••••••••

MAX EFFORT BENCH:

65lb x8

80lb x5

95lb x3

115lb x1

125lb x1

135lb x1

140lb x1

145lb x1

125lb x2

INCLINED BENCH:

(75lb x8) 5x

DECLINE BENCH:

(95lb x8) 5x

STANDING CABLE FLY:

High:

35lb x10

40lb x10

45lb x10

Mid:

(25lb x10) 3x

Low:

(20lb x10) 3x

••••••••••

     I'm giving the conjugate method another try. I've been thinking about what my goals are. Strength has always been important to me, but I began talking myself into leaning more towards just body building / aesthetics. I almost had myself convinced that my age may be too big of a barrier to gaining real strength. Then, one night as we were walking into the gym, I saw a flyer for a powerlifting comp that the Y is putting o in December. It's open to anyone. No, I won't be entering...this year. My major, long term goal is to enter that competition next year. I'm giving myself one year to get as strong as I can and then I'm going to give it a go. What the hell, right? 

     We've all seen those videos of little old ladies friggin ripping weight off the floor like they were picking up their lacy handkerchiefs. Well why can't that be me? I'm so tired of giving myself excuses because of my age. It's fucking ridiculous and It's weak. I mean, I have realistic expectations here. I'm going to go out on a limb and say a pro card is not in my future. But I may just get strong enough to win a local comp. I think that would be pretty damn cool. 

     And while we're talking about excuses, I'm tired of them. Everywhere I look lately, all I see is people spewing weak ass excuses about everything under the sun. 

     "I can't do this because..."

     "I can't do that because...."

     Just stop it. Life is pretty good at throwing obstacles in our way when we least expect it. Why in the hell would we want to willingly do that to ourselves -always throwing up self-made barriers to things we want or things we want to do? I've caught myself doing it and I'm calling myself out for it. I've caught my daughter doing it in regards to school and I called her out for it. There is absolutely no need for it. The way I look at it, you're either going to give yourself excuses why you can't, or reasons why you can. That choice is totally up to you. Only one of those choices will earn you the life you want and the respect you earned.

     So I hope you all enjoy this new journey I'm on and I hope you feel compelled to stop giving yourself excuses too, no matter what they are.